The number of people suffering from diabetes in Hounslow has risen by nearly 500 over a period of 12 months.

The latest figures, from NHS data released by Diabetes UK, revealed there were 14,834 adults registered with the condition in 2013-2014 in the borough.

This is an increase of 3.24% compared to the previous year.

The statistics were brought to light at the start of Diabetes Week, which runs from Sunday (June 14) to Saturday (June 20).

Roz Rosenblatt, London region manager for Diabetes UK, said: “Rising figures in some London boroughs may be due to the fact that initiatives such as NHS healthchecks means that doctors are finding people at risk earlier.

"While this is good news, we remain concerned at the rising numbers of people living with the condition and this makes access to the education which will help them manage their diabetes most effectively even more important."

Leading charity Diabetes UK is calling on the NHS to provide education and support to people with diabetes to help manage their condition.

Ms Rosenblatt added: “We must get better at offering education to people who are living with diabetes and help them to manage this serious, complex and often overwhelming condition.

"It is crucial that education is made available both at the point of diagnosis and beyond as the education needs of people already living with the condition can change over time.

"Along with providing better and more flexible education options, local health systems need to focus on increasing the proportion of people getting the 15 health care checks that everyone with diabetes should be receiving.

"Until we achieve these steps, we will continue to deny people living with diabetes of the best possible chance of living long and healthy lives."